Mining companies unite to empower local youth
Mining companies in Limpopo and Mpumalanga hosted a career expo to support youth with skills and study opportunities.
LIMPOPO – Mining companies operating across Limpopo and Mpumalanga, including Valterra Platinum, hosted a Joint Career Expo aimed at equipping young people with access to career guidance, education pathways, and skills development opportunities.
Addressing limited career exposure in mining communities
The initiative was established in response to the limited career exposure experienced by many learners in mining communities, particularly within the Fetakgomo Tubatse and Thaba Chweu Local Municipalities.
Since its inception in 2023, the expo has continued to play an important role in helping learners make informed subject and career choices while exposing them to opportunities within the mining sector and related industries.
Thousands of Gr 12 learners take part
The 2026 Joint Career Expo officially commenced on May 4-8. Over the five-day programme, approximately 5 000 Gr 12 learners from 57 schools across Limpopo and Mpumalanga participated.
Learners engage with industry and education institutions
Throughout the expo, learners were engaging directly with representatives from mining companies, universities, TVET colleges, Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas) and other training institutions.
These engagements provide valuable insight into career opportunities in mining, engineering, environmental management, finance, safety, human resources, and technical trades. Learners also received guidance on bursaries, internships, learnerships, and tertiary study opportunities.
Long-term impact on communities and education
Previous editions of the expo have positively impacted local communities through university application support, improved access to bursaries, teacher development workshops and initiatives supporting learners living with disabilities.
In addition to career guidance, the expo also promoted safety awareness by encouraging young people to adopt safe and responsible practices within their communities and beyond.
Mining sector committed to youth development
The expo reflected the mining sector’s continued commitment to investing in education, youth development, and the long-term socio-economic sustainability of surrounding communities.
For Valterra Platinum, investing in education means investing in the future leaders of the region.
Mining company highlights education as a catalyst for change
Commenting on the initiative, Loot Van Dyk, manager external relations and sustainability, Mototolo Mine at Valterra Platinum, said the programme aligns with the company’s long-term sustainability strategy and belief in the transformative power of education.
“Education is one of the most powerful catalysts for sustainable change and a core focus of our sustainability strategy aimed at creating resilient communities. Through initiatives such as the Joint Career Expo, we are not only exposing learners to career opportunities, but also assisting them to realise their potential, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to the future of their communities,” he said.
“Every learner reached is a step closer to a confident, empowered future.”
